the fourth watch...

Matthew 14: 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

the fourth watch is the darkest part of the night.. it is the part right before dawn... so in the spirit realm... whatever you are going through, when you are in the fourth watch, it is the most hopeless/helpless... this is where we get true understanding that there is nothing we can do to change our situation, that we have to rely on God to show up and fix it... this is also where we are when we have prayed and prayed and it seems as though nothing is changing... we are weak, spiritually... mentally... totally just on the point of despair... and right before the dawn (the morning.. the change... the answer...) God will show up and answer us... then we are into daylight again... the answer is to keep our focus looking at Jesus... not to look at the circumstance... continue to keep your eyes on Jesus...

Jesus sent them out onto the water... He had planned the whole thing... He waited until they felt they could struggle no more... until they were sure they would drown... they did not know who He was when He came to them... they did not recognize Him... Peter was able to walk on the water until he looked around at the circumstances then he became overwhelmed and began to sink..

Father, help me recognize you and walk out on the water to you in faith... please do not pass me by... guide my steps Father and if I do not follow, then move my feet... I ask this in the name of Jesus... the coming King... amen...